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Project Profile: Susquehanna Union Green Transportation Improvements

Susquehanna Union Green Transportation Improvements

photo credit: Vartan Group, Inc.

Location

Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania

Project Sponsor / Borrower

Vartan Group, Inc./ Hawthorne SPE, LLC

Program Areas

Project Finance

Mode

Local Road

Description

On December 19, 2018, the Dauphin County Board of Commissioners approved a $5.3 million, 10-year loan from the Dauphin County Infrastructure Bank to fund roadway improvements needed for the Susquehanna Union Green, a major, mixed-use development in Susquehanna Township, near Harrisburg. The 58-acre project is being developed by Vartan Group, Inc. and will include 26 commercial and retail buildings, a 110-room hotel, a 240-apartment senior community, and 31 single-family homes. The 10-year loan will be made available to Vartan Group at an interest rate of 0.85 percent.

The loan will be used to widen portions of Linglestown Road and Progress Avenue, install a new traffic signal at Progress and Garrison Avenues, and make additional improvements on Paxton Church Road. The project also includes utility reconfigurations and the installation of new sidewalks and crosswalks.

The transportation improvements are being designed and implemented directly by the developer through standalone design and construction contracts. The proceeds from the Dauphin County Infrastructure Bank loan will cover all costs associated with implementing the improvements.

Cost

$5.3 million

Funding Sources

Dauphin County Infrastructure Bank - $5.3 million

Project Delivery / Contract Method Design-bid-build
Private Partner

Vartan Group, Inc.

Project Advisors / Consultants

Traffic Planning and Design, Inc. - Traffic Engineer

Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. - Consulting Engineer

Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott LLC - Legal Counsel

Lenders

Dauphin County Infrastructure Bank

The loan is made to Hawthorne SPE, LLC, which is solely owned by Vartan's Buonarroti Trust. Hawthorne's proposed collateral includes a guarantee of the Buonarroti Trust, and a subordinate mortgage on the development.

Duration / Status

Final Design

Financial Status

Ten-year loan approved by the Dauphin County Board of Commissioners on December 19, 2018.

Innovations
  • The Dauphin County Infrastructure Bank was established through an innovative partnership between the County and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The County capitalized the infrastructure bank with excess bridge maintenance funds received from the state motor fuel tax, together with additional funding from Pennsylvania's State Infrastructure Bank.
  • Vartan Group, Inc. is the first private developer to apply for a loan from the Dauphin County Infrastructure Bank.
  • Since its creation, the Dauphin County Infrastructure Bank has provided $16.4 million in low-interest loans for stormwater drainage improvements, intersection reconfigurations and street repairs in Harrisburg, Middletown and West Hannover, Pennsylvania.
Related Links / Articles

Commissioners approve $5.3 million Dauphin County Infrastructure Bank Loan for Susquehanna Union Green development road improvements (Dauphin County)

Dauphin County Infrastructure Bank Program Guidelines

Dauphin County Launches Infrastructure Bank (Governing, May 30, 2013)

Contacts

Catherine A. Wilsbach, P.E.
Vice President of Development & Construction
Vartan Group, Inc
Tel: (717) 657-0100
cwilsbach@vartangroup.com

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